The first sod has been turned on the Queensland Government’s $20 million Hydrogen Training Centre of Excellence at Beenleigh.
The new facility is a key part of the government’s plan to fast track the development of the industry and ensure Queensland is at the forefront as the supplier of choice for hydrogen.
Treasurer Cameron Dick said the Queensland Hydrogen Industry Strategy 2019 – 2024 is focussed on developing the hydrogen industry to create jobs
“By 2030, it is estimated the Queensland hydrogen industry could be worth about $1.7 billion a year in exports, providing jobs throughout the state,” Dick said.
“Investing in state-of-the-art training facilities will attract new workers to the industry as well as meet projected demand from existing apprentices and tradespeople.”
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Energy, Renewables and Hydrogen Minister Mick de Brenni said Hydrogen Training Centre, one of four training centres worth more than $50 million, would skill up a hydrogen workforce enabling the state’s future economic development.
“Queensland’s opportunity to grow jobs in manufacturing and resources needs cheaper, cleaner energy, and the future demand for hydrogen is being met as the Palaszczuk Government is ensuring Queenslanders have the skills to deliver it,” he said.
“Already, Queensland’s renewables industry is worth $8.5 billion, and with our abundance of solar and wind capacity, Queensland is the ideal candidate to produce hydrogen for domestic and international use.”
Training and Skills Development Minister Di Farmer said the $20 million centre is an investment in the skills and jobs of the future.
“We need trainees and apprentices to start developing these skills now, so that they are ready to go when these jobs come online,” Farmer said.
“That’s why we are investing now, to deliver the skilled workforce we will need in the future.
“We are working in partnership with the industry not-for-profit organisation, Plumbing Industry Climate Action Centre (PICAC), to build the new facility at the existing training centre by June 2022.”
The project is expected to employ 70 apprentices during construction and support a total of 100 jobs.
“Our hydrogen training investment also includes $10.6 million for a Hydrogen and Renewable Energy Training facility at Bohle TAFE campus in Townsville, $2 million to upgrade training facilities at Gladstone State High School to prepare students for jobs in the hydrogen industry and a $17 million grant will allow Electro Group Training to deliver renewable energy skills and training,” Farmer said.